Stolperstein Dedicated to Ferdinand Rieser.

Introduction

The Stolperstein (“stumbling stone”) dedicated to Ferdinand Rieser in Karlsruhe, Germany, stands as a powerful memorial to the victims of the Nazi regime. These small brass plaques, set into sidewalks throughout Europe, commemorate individuals persecuted or murdered by the Nazis, marking their last freely chosen residences. Initiated by artist Gunter Demnig in 1992, the Stolpersteine project has grown into the world’s largest decentralized memorial, integrating remembrance into the daily fabric of cities like Karlsruhe (Stolpersteine Project Official Site).

Ferdinand Rieser was a prominent librarian and Oberbibliothekar at the Badische Landesbibliothek. His Stolperstein not only marks his personal story of deportation and loss but also serves as an entry point to Karlsruhe’s broader Jewish history and the ongoing work of remembrance. This guide provides essential information for visitors, including detailed location, accessibility, historical background, and tips for a meaningful experience.

Historical Background of the Stolpersteine Project

The Stolpersteine project was conceived by German artist Gunter Demnig as a decentralized memorial to victims of National Socialism. Each Stolperstein is a 10-centimeter concrete cube topped with a brass plate, inscribed with the victim’s name, birth year, fate, and, when known, the date and place of death. Placed in front of the victim’s last freely chosen residence, these stones integrate remembrance into daily urban life.

Since its inception in the 1990s, over 100,000 Stolpersteine have been installed across Europe, including nearly 300 in Karlsruhe (Stadtwiki Karlsruhe). The project’s grassroots nature encourages local research, community participation, and ongoing dialogue about memory, justice, and citizenship.

Ferdinand Rieser: Life and Persecution

Ferdinand Rieser (1874–1944) was a respected Oberbibliothekar at the Badische Landesbibliothek. His life and legacy reflect the tragic fate of many Jews from Baden under Nazi rule. Although initially spared during Kristallnacht in 1938, Ferdinand and his wife Adele were subjected to escalating restrictions and forced relocations.

On October 22, 1940, in the infamous Wagner-Bürckel-Aktion, the Riesers were deported to the Gurs internment camp in southern France, along with thousands of other Jews from Baden and the Saar-Palatinate (Gedenkbuch Karlsruhe). In Gurs, Ferdinand created a library for fellow prisoners—a testament to his enduring commitment to knowledge even in adversity. Adele died in Gurs, and Ferdinand later died in Masseube in 1944. Their daughter Eva managed to escape Germany, while the fate of their son, who had a disability, serves as a further sobering reminder of the period’s cruelty.

Cultural and Memorial Significance

The Stolperstein for Ferdinand Rieser is part of a citywide—and Europe-wide—network of memorials that confront passersby with the personal dimensions of the Holocaust. By marking the last freely chosen residence of victims, the project emphasizes the rupture of everyday lives by extraordinary violence.

In Karlsruhe, Stolpersteine commemorate not only Jewish victims but also Sinti and Roma, those persecuted for political or religious reasons, and others targeted by the Nazi regime (Stadtwiki Karlsruhe). The act of “stumbling” upon these stones is intended to provoke reflection, empathy, and civic responsibility.

Location and Accessibility

Exact Address

• Kriegsstraße 192, 76133 Karlsruhe, Germany
  The Ferdinand Rieser Stolperstein is embedded in the sidewalk at this address in the Innenstadt-West district (Stadtwiki Karlsruhe).

Getting There

• By Public Transport: The site is easily reached by tram, with nearby stops at Kongresszentrum and Karlstor (3–5 minutes’ walk). Karlsruhe’s public transport is accessible and well-marked (Karlsruhe Public Transport).
• By Foot/Bicycle: The central location makes it a short walk or bike ride from the Market Square or Karlsruhe Palace. Bicycle racks are available.
• By Car: Limited street parking is available; public garages are nearby at Kongresszentrum and Karstadt.

Accessibility

• The sidewalk is flat and wide, suitable for wheelchairs and those with mobility aids.
• Public transport and the area’s infrastructure support barrier-free access.

Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, and Practical Tips

• Visiting Hours: The Stolperstein is outdoors and accessible 24/7, year-round.
• Tickets: No tickets or fees are required.
• Guided Tours: Various local organizations provide guided tours of Stolpersteine and Jewish heritage sites. These may require advance booking (Karlsruhe City Tours).
• Commemorative Events: Annual events include the installation anniversary (May 29) and International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27), often featuring guided walks and ceremonies.
• Visitor Etiquette: Visitors are encouraged to pause, read the inscription, and reflect. Leaving a flower or stone is a traditional sign of remembrance. Please be respectful and avoid blocking the sidewalk.

Nearby Historical Sites and Enhancing Your Visit

While visiting the Ferdinand Rieser Stolperstein, consider exploring:

• Badische Landesbibliothek: Where Rieser worked; a key site in Karlsruhe’s intellectual and Jewish history (BLB Karlsruhe).
• Karlsruhe Palace and Baden State Museum: A 15-minute walk north, offering deeper context on local history (Culture Tourist).
• Market Square (Marktplatz): The city’s heart, near additional memorials and historic sites.

Tip: Use the Stolpersteine Karlsruhe Interactive Map or the Stolpersteine Karlsruhe App to locate other memorials and plan your route. For a richer experience, the Audiala app offers audio guides and digital tours.

Visual Experience and Media

• On-Site: The Stolperstein is a brass-plated cobblestone inscribed with Ferdinand Rieser’s name, birth and death dates, and a brief account of his fate.
• Photos and Virtual Tours: High-quality images and virtual tours are available through the official Stolpersteine website and local archives. These resources are helpful for those unable to visit in person or wishing to prepare in advance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Where is the Ferdinand Rieser Stolperstein?
At Kriegsstraße 192, 76133 Karlsruhe, Germany.

What are the visiting hours?
Accessible 24/7, year-round, with no admission fee.

Is the site accessible for those with disabilities?
Yes, the area is flat, wide, and barrier-free with accessible public transport nearby.

Are guided tours available?
Yes, local organizations and the tourism office offer guided tours; advance booking is recommended.

Can I take photographs at the site?
Yes, photography is permitted; please be respectful.

Are there commemorative events?
Yes, notably on the Stolperstein’s installation anniversary and Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Community Involvement and Ongoing Relevance

The Stolperstein project in Karlsruhe relies on active community engagement, with local historical societies and volunteers maintaining the stones and organizing events (Stolpersteine Karlsruhe). The memorials are focal points for education, dialogue, and remembrance—ensuring that the lessons of history remain present and relevant.

Discover More

Visiting the Ferdinand Rieser Stolperstein is a meaningful act of remembrance and civic responsibility. It offers a moment to reflect on the lives lost to Nazi persecution and to participate in a living memorial that is integrated into Karlsruhe’s urban environment. Enhance your visit by exploring related sites, joining a guided tour, or engaging with digital resources and commemorative events.

For more information and updates, visit the Stolpersteine Project Official Site, the Stadtwiki Karlsruhe Stolpersteine page, or the Karlsruhe Tourism Office. To further enrich your experience, download the Audiala app for interactive maps and audio guides.